A nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering chemotherapy
- B. Preventing infection
- C. Monitoring for signs of bleeding
- D. Providing nutritional support
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is preventing infection. In caring for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), preventing infection is the priority nursing intervention. Children with ALL are immunocompromised due to the disease and its treatment, making them more susceptible to infections. Administering chemotherapy, while important, is not the priority as preventing infection takes precedence to avoid complications. Monitoring for signs of bleeding and providing nutritional support are also essential components of care for a child with ALL, but preventing infection is the priority to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
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An infant with a congenital heart defect is being given gavage feedings. The parents ask the nurse why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?
- A. It limits the chance of vomiting.
- B. It allows the feeding to be administered rapidly.
- C. The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.
- D. The quantity of nutritional liquid can be regulated better than with a bottle.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.' Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects as they help conserve the infant's energy by eliminating the need for sucking, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac issues. Choice A is incorrect because gavage feedings are not primarily used to limit vomiting. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of administration is not the main reason for gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect because the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the primary rationale for gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.
A parent asks the nurse what to do when their toddler has temper tantrums. What play materials should the nurse suggest to offer the child as another way of expressing anger?
- A. Ball and bat
- B. Wad of clay
- C. Punching bag
- D. Pegs and pounding board
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pegs and pounding boards are the most suitable choice for toddlers to express their emotions constructively. These materials provide a safe and acceptable way for toddlers to release anger and frustration through physical activity. Options A, B, and C may not be as effective or safe for toddlers dealing with temper tantrums. A ball and bat may encourage aggressive behavior rather than constructive expression. A wad of clay might not be ideal for channeling anger, and a punching bag can potentially promote violent behavior, which is not appropriate for toddlers.
A parent and 4-year-old child who recently emigrated from Colombia arrive at the pediatric clinic. The child has a temperature of 102°F, is irritable, and has a runny nose. Inspection reveals a rash and several small, red, irregularly shaped spots with blue-white centers in the mouth. What illness does the nurse suspect the child has?
- A. Measles
- B. Chickenpox
- C. Fifth disease
- D. Scarlet fever
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should suspect measles based on the symptoms described, including the presence of Koplik spots (small, red spots with blue-white centers in the mouth). Measles typically presents with fever, irritability, runny nose, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Chickenpox (choice B) presents with vesicular lesions in different stages of healing and usually starts on the trunk. Fifth disease (choice C) presents with a 'slapped cheek' rash on the face and can cause joint pain. Scarlet fever (choice D) is characterized by a sandpaper-like rash, fever, and strawberry tongue.
An infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is admitted to the pediatric unit. What does the nurse expect when palpating the infant's abdomen?
- A. A distended colon
- B. Marked tenderness around the umbilicus
- C. An olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant
- D. Rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When palpating the abdomen of an infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), the nurse would expect to feel an olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant. This finding is characteristic of HPS due to the hypertrophied pylorus muscle. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A distended colon is not typically associated with HPS. Marked tenderness around the umbilicus is not a specific finding of HPS. Rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen are not expected in HPS, as the condition primarily affects the pylorus region of the stomach.
A healthcare professional is teaching parents about why most children should be immunized against varicella (chickenpox) and why some receiving specific medications should not. Which medication should be included in the discussion?
- A. Insulin
- B. Steroids
- C. Antibiotics
- D. Anticonvulsants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Steroids. Children receiving steroids should not receive the varicella vaccine as it can increase the risk of severe infection due to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids. Insulin (Choice A) is not a medication that contraindicates varicella vaccination. Antibiotics (Choice C) and anticonvulsants (Choice D) are also not medications that would impact the decision to immunize against varicella.